Theory of PR Fermentation

Theory of PR Fermentation

Introduction

The Theory of PR Fermentation posits that letting a pull request (PR) sit for an extended period of 6 to 12 months enhances its "flavor" or overall quality. This concept is based on the idea that time allows for more thorough reviews, better feedback, and refinements to the code being proposed.

The Process

When a pull request is opened, it is usually met with initial excitement or scrutiny. However, as time progresses, developers may shift their focus to other tasks, causing the PR to remain unattended. This period of inactivity allows the following benefits to develop:

1. **Maturation of Code**: Just as wine matures with age, code can benefit from time to be revisited with a fresher perspective. Developers grow, learn, and may have new insights that improve the proposed changes.

2. **Gathering Community Feedback**: During the waiting period, other community members may notice the PR and provide valuable feedback or suggestions that the original author might not have considered.

3. **Incorporation of New Practices**: Over time, coding practices and standards may evolve. A PR that sits can be adjusted to align with the latest development trends and technologies.

Risks of PR Fermentation

While the idea of allowing a PR to ferment may have its advantages, it also carries risks:

- **Stale Code**: Prolonged inactivity may render the proposed code out-of-date with the main codebase, requiring additional changes or re-evaluation. - **Loss of Interest**: The original author may lose interest in the PR, leading to abandoned efforts and wasted work.

Conclusion

The Theory of PR Fermentation highlights the balance that needs to be struck between prompt code reviews and the potential benefits of allowing time for reflection and improvement. Developers and teams should consider their workflows and decide when is the right time for a pull request to be fermented versus when it needs immediate attention.

References

• [Link to relevant sources or articles about PR reviews and development best practices]
• [Link to discussions in developer communities regarding the value of time in programming]